The European Parliament is intensifying pressure on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to adopt a firmer stance in response to recent tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Bernd Lange, Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, voiced strong criticism of Trump’s communication, describing it as “outrageous” in an interview with “Der Spiegel”. He urged the EU to immediately implement previously approved retaliatory measures. These measures involve tariffs on U.S. goods such as motorcycles, jeans and peanut butter, initially devised as a response to U.S. steel tariffs. Implementation had been temporarily suspended pending ongoing trade negotiations.
Following Trump’s recent letter, which threatens tariffs of 30 percent from August 1st, Lange argues that postponing the retaliatory package is no longer justifiable. He further advocated for the EU to explore additional measures should a resolution not be reached by the aforementioned date. Lange suggested the EU should accelerate work on a further package of tariffs estimated to be worth over €90 billion.
The call for a stronger EU response mirrors sentiments expressed by other Members of the European Parliament following the public release of Trump’s communication. The intensified pressure underscores the growing concern within the Parliament regarding the escalating trade tensions between the EU and the United States.
